Suzanne Schorsch had certain expectations in planning the “Writers Rave” Feb. 26 at the Old Colorado City History Center.

Visitors at the Writers Rave meet with authors at the History Center Feb. 26. Those seated at the nearest table are children's book
writers (from left) Joyce Stolberg, Barbara Tyner and Craig Vroom.

Westside Pioneer photo

The fact that the event for 20 authors and a local publisher was successful - and even made a little money for the Old Colorado City Historical Society (OCCHS) -
did not prevent the center's bookstore manager from admitting afterward that not all had happened as she expected.
For one thing, “because we're a history society,” she had been doubtful that the children's book writers would attract many people. Yet those eight authors, and the
morning time frame in which they gave their presentations, turned out to be the busiest part of the six-hour event. Schorsch said. Plus, she added, “All the children's
writers sold a lot of books.”
Another surprise for Schorsch was why people came. She had thought that for most, it would be to meet the writers. But a prevalent motive, she discovered, was to
seek interest from the publisher who was on hand. Jackie Haag of Mother's House Publishing - who has published most of the writers at the Rave -reported eight
people approaching her about books they're writing, Schorsch said.
If the OCCHS organizes another such event, Schorsch said, “we'd promote it that way” (as a chance for writing hopefuls to meet a publisher).
Not all of Schorsch's expectations were off. A number of people were interested in the historical authors and books, including the “Red Rock Canyon Folio”
(published last year by Mother's House), which sold five copies during the event.
And many did want to meet the writers, who sat at tables inside the museum with their books spread out in front of them. “There were people coming in and out all
day long,” Schorsch said.